Severini looks the banker at Kempton

SACRED TRUST(best odds 11/4) made a lasting impression over the C&D on debut 21 days ago and is confidently expected to take a huge leap forward with that all-important experience under his belt. Held up in the rear, Hugo Palmer’s charge had little chance of making any sort of impact on the well-fancied front pair who dominated proceedings at the tip of the arrow, but it was nice to see him come home as strong as he did under minimal encouragement, suggesting he’d be a much more potent force next time. Although he could face another potentially smart colt in the shape of debutante Dangerous Thought, the son of Acclamation may just have enough know how to cope with his well-touted market rival.

Sacred Trust - 1pt @ 11/4

12:55 Ludlow

DOUBLE SHUFFLE(best odds 11/4) has been heavily involved in two quality novice chases run at Cheltenham this season, so he should find these much calmer waters more to his liking. Prominently ridden in both contests at Prestbury Park, Tom George’s inmate has proved vulnerable to more classier stayers in the latter stages of each race, but given that he’s exhibited a sound jumping technique and a good deal of natural pace, today’s sharp, flat track should play more into his strengths.

Double Shuffle - 1pt @ 11/4

14:15 Lingfield

SIREN'S COVE(best odds 5/1) recent form figures don’t look that awe-inspiring, but on closer inspection, Richard Fahey’s charge has run a good deal better than the bear results have been suggesting. Clearly out of her depth against listed company three starts ago, the daughter of Sir Percy has been involved in two races subsequently where it paid to be on the speed, so she did quite well on both occasions to finish as close up as she did given the circumstances. Having gone well here before, she appears overpriced dropping back into class 4 company.

Siren's Cove - 1pt @ 5/1

15:00 Newbury

BIG CHIEF BENNY(best odds 5/2) chased home two highly-promising types on hurdling debut at the last meeting here and he rates the clear form pick based on that encouraging performance. In what could turn out to be one of the most informative early-season novice events (front two could be Cheltenham Festival types), Alan King’s charge did more than enough to suggest he should be winning races soon and even though he faces a stern opponent in the shape of Charmix, the son of Beneficial shouldn’t suffer from any inferiority complex.

Big Chief Benny - 1pt @ 5/2

17:10 Kempton

SEVERINI(best odds 4/5) went off like his tail was on fire on his debut at Lingfield last time, so much so, that he dragged the field around in what turned out to be a juvenile track record. Unsurprisingly, the gallop he set that day was unsustainable, but to his great credit, he did manage to keep on well enough to secure second place and post a big speed figure next to his name for good measure. Providing his natural exuberance can be harnessed in the correct manner this time around, Richard Hughes’ inmate has every chance of going one place better in this seemingly weaker affair.